Hide an LCD TV behind drywall

I managed to install a 6 inch deep LCD TV behind a 4 inch gap between main wall and drywall. I took apart a functional LCD TV panel (THOMSON model 42M71NH20 42 inches wide) and placed it behind drywall. Here is how I did it.

Step 1 Dissasembly

Every LCD TV is different and you need some prior experience with taking apart and putting them back together agian. I've fixed at least 5 laptops and several monitors, so I knew what I was doing. I carefully took the unit apart. I did not use force. When something did not immediatly disconnect I tried looking on-line and attempting to take that particular part again in a different manner.

Comments

[ikssk]

I work for a custom home theater installation company.  When we install LCD in a wall behind drywall, the unit stays in one piece,  that way if anything goes wrong with the unit, it's still covered under the warranty. One thing you have to remember, ventilation. Your LCD will over heat if you fully seal it in a wall. Here is something that we do often http://www.htmarket.com/plscmasyfrar.html.
Other than that, good job

[pashanoid]

Here is my ventilation.

[ikssk]

looking good

[ikssk]

http://www.htmarket.com/plscmasyfrar.html

[pashanoid]

Thank you for your suggestions, I plan to do a ventellation grid just above the floor and next to the seling. Great setup with the moving painting over the flatpanel (at your site)!

[ikssk]

Sorry, I am not trying to promote anything and this is not my site. However My intentions ware just to show an alternative way to mount TV in the wall.
Keep up the good work

[jb8350i]

Pictures with the drywall finished? What did you do around the edge of the drywall? L-Edge? Zip-Strip?

[pashanoid]

Here is how the LCD behind drywall looks now. Haven't installed the L-edge yet. Will let you know when it's up there!

[kat49242]

Lmbo at the title for this step. :D

[pashanoid]

Well, it's a risk one should take when undertaking such a proj

[guitar155263]

If you want to install a 42 lcd tv then this website has lots of information.

[bfarm]

What do you do when it breaks down and it's embedded behind drywall?

Can get almost the same look with a simple recess and trim.

[pashanoid]

: ) Keyword is "almost" - my tutorial requires a high degree of "bravery" : )

[pashanoid]

How often does your reqular TV breaks down? But you're right, if it breaks - I will need to break up the drywall...

[DanAdamKOF]

I can't tell from looking at the pictures, is there a way to use the video inputs after installing the TV?

[pashanoid]

Yes, they will be wired to my compter and dvd systems 4 feet away...

[baudeagle]

Please post a picture after finishing the drywall.

[k-twizel]

Actually, I have done similar mountings with assorted computers in the past.  I found that if there are parts that are seperated from the whole, mounting them on a backplane (i.e. plywood) one can route cabling safely and cleanly as well as make any extensions needed and then mount that to the wall before covering with sheet-rock.  I would take it one step further and create a patch panel for all the inputs, run cables, and mount that in an inconspicuous corner for a rack to put all the other devices (DVD, Game console, etc.)

I think it is a great way to save space and give a room that 'Farenheit 451' feel.

[pashanoid]

Great idea! I should have called this instructable “putting up a Farenheit 451 type display”. I'm running a whole bunch of wires to a spot where I plan to put all my computer/dvd/etc stuff.

[pcapelo]

Love your ideia, But (there is always a but), you are not in compliance with te NEC code.

that means if by any chance something happen with your house (doesnt have to e related to the TV), the insurance company wont pay for the damages.

If Im not wrong you should have a meta box inside the wall

Other than that Im looking foward to see the final product.

congrats and cheers

PC

[pashanoid]

I agree, this one may be very hard to comply with various codes and such, but, could be doable... If I place all contents in metal boxes and hide all wiring? I'm not a professional builder so I don't know for sure. I'm just good at electronics/computers and I'm putting up a drywall over my real crooked old wall to hide various things and I don't see how its much different from if I were to put up the LCD contents onto the finished wall? Makes sense?

[cpotoso]

No, that's not so...  if it is unrelated to the tv you should be OK, but if the TV has a short circuit (e.g., if water leaks into your wall) then you are royally screwed!  Furthermore it will be very hard to upgrade your tv if you so desire in the future.  Overall, a good instructable but a lousy idea.

[JakeTobak]

Lousy idea? I have to disagree there. I think it's awesome.

[pashanoid]

Well, you're right. This project is not for the faint of heart. And you're also right about water damage if a tsunamy hits my appartment on the 11^th floor, or my no so sober at times neighbour upstairs forgets to turn the water off. As of upgrading a TV? Well I havent done this for my old set for about 8 years and I hope this one is around in 5 years. But actually I hope I have to carve this one out because these boys become real big and cheap in 5 years. As of the louse idea – do you think that having a big black box on your wall is a good idea? : ) I appreciate the comments!